AraabMUZIK shot, survives robbery attempt

The MVP of the MPC, born Abraham Orellana, is recovering from his injuries.

Billboard has confirmed that Orellana was shot during a robbery attempt in his home state of Rhode Island, sharing this statement from the DJ/producer’s camp.

“Rumors have begun to circulate and first and foremost, we want to let everyone know that AraabMUZIK is currently alive and well. He was out in his neighborhood last night with friends and unfortunately the victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” says the statement. “He is recovering now and police are investigating the crime. We appreciate all the concern and fan support and Araab is looking forward to a speedy recovery and returning to the stage as soon as he can.”

Rapper and collaborator Avatar Darko commented on the situation via Twitter: “Prey [sic] for my bro Araab! He just got shot but he’ll be alright! He’s strong! My lil brodi too trill! They tried to rob him and he ain’t come up off his shit so they tried get him outta there! He meant to be here! Foh!”

Anjunabeats’ official statement: “Will.I.Am did not get permission”

Arty and Mat Zo released a popular collaboration in 2011 entitled ‘Rebound’ on the Anjunabeats label which was subsequently used without permission for Will.i.am’s lastest track ‘Let’s Go’, featuring Chris Brown.

An Anjunbeats spokesperson says: “As has been widely reported, a large section of ‘Rebound’ was sampled on Will.i.am’s track…and this took place without the permission of Anjunabeats or Arty & Mat Zo.

“Although Arty (but not Mat Zo) was credited in the sleeve notes, this is not the same as obtaining permission. To present someone else’s work as your own, you need to seek permission, agree terms and file paperwork, which has not happened in this case.

“We’ve remained silent on this issue until now but as a record label it is our obligation to protect our artists’ interests and we felt it was necessary to respond to some of the inaccuracies that have been reported following Will.i.am’s recent comments to Associated Press.”

After the story broke Will.i.am attempted to defend himself, claiming that Arty “knew about the sample beforehand”.

Although Arty and Mat Zo acknowledged that they had been contacted by Will.i.am and knew of his interest in the track, they confirmed that they had “declined working with him at the time.”

Verboten launches StageONE with Sasha

Verboten has announced a new series called StageONE, starting on July 4th.

The run of shows will take place outdoors on the Williamsburg waterfront in Brooklyn. The stages will feature food vendors as well as beer and wine. Outdoor games, a video projection system, custom-made soundsystem and even a VIP section à la Manhattan nightclubs (including full liquor bar) make up some of the other attractions.